(Phoenix, Ariz. – June 29, 2010) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced the indictment of Dr. Corina Hollander, 56, of Tucson and seven other individuals who are accused of participating in a large-scale prescription drug fraud.

Hollander, a Tucson podiatrist, was charged with conspiracy, participating in a criminal syndicate, three counts of fraud, eight counts of trafficking in the identity of another person, six counts of forgery, 68 counts of obtaining a narcotic drug by fraud and nine counts of obtaining a dangerous drug by fraud.

“Abuse of prescription drugs is a serious and often overlooked problem in Arizona,” Goddard said. “Together with the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General’s Office has, with this indictment, shown its commitment to stemming the illegal flow of prescription drugs.”

According to the allegations made by investigators, Hollander was using the names of patients and members of her staff’s family to write fraudulent prescriptions. Hollander and two employees would then have the prescriptions filled at local pharmacies.

"Medical professionals who abuse the privileges granted to them to prescribe controlled substances are no different than any other drug dealer. They are preying on the weakness of others for monetary gain," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth W. Kempshall. "While the vast majority of medical professionals practice their trade with honor and professionalism, DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those who do not responsible for their abuse of the trust given to them by society."

The charges, filed Monday in Pima County Superior Court, are a result of a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Tucson Tactical Diversion Squad, the Attorney General’s Special Investigations Section, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Christina M. Vejar and Steve Duplissis.